Buick Encore: Doing Your Own Service Work
Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your vehicle if you do not have the proper knowledge, service manual, tools, or parts. Always follow owner's manual procedures and consult the service manual for your vehicle before doing any service work.
If doing some of your own service work, use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service the vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see Publication Ordering Information
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own service work, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
If equipped with remote vehicle start, open the hood before performing any service work to prevent remote starting the vehicle accidentally. See Remote Vehicle Start
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed. See Maintenance Records
Caution
Even small amounts of contamination can cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not allow contaminants to contact the fluids, reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
Warning
Turn the vehicle off before opening the hood. If the engine is running with the hood open, you or others could be injured.
Components under the hood can get hot from running the engine.
To help avoid the risk of burning unprotected skin, never touch these components until they have cooled, and always use a glove or towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before opening.
To open the hood:
- Pull the hood release lever with
the
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symbol. It is on the
lower left side of the instrument
panel.
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- Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever under the front center of the hood. Push the secondary hood release lever to the right to release.
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- Lift the hood and release the hood prop rod from its retainer, in the front of the engine compartment. Securely insert the rod end into the slot marked with an arrow, on the underside of the hood.
To close the hood:
- Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all tools are removed.
- Lift the hood and remove the hood prop rod from the underside of the hood. Return the prop rod to its retainer. The prop rod must click into place when returning it to the retainer to prevent hood damage.
- Lower the hood 20 cm (8 in)
above the vehicle and release
it. Check to make sure the
hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with additional force if necessary.
Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the hood is not latched completely.
The hood could open fully, block your vision, and cause a crash.
You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely before driving.
READ NEXT:
Engine Compartment Overview
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil
Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). See Cooling System
Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant Surge Tank
and Pressur
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to
SEE MORE:
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt.
The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.
Adjust the seat, if the seat is
adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see
"Seats" in the Index.
Pick up the latch plate and pull
the b
Door Locks
Warning
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
Passengers, especially
children, can easily open
the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors
can be unlocked and
opened while the vehicle is
moving. The chance of
being thrown out of the
vehicle in a crash is increased if the doors are
no
